Whenever I write about Groot Constantia Wines, I feel as though I am writing about royalty. First granted to former Governor Simon van der Stel, no -one knows who or what the Constantia is. His mantle now sits firm on the shoulders of Boela Gerber, member of the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild, award winning winemaker. This is his homage to van der Stel, the Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2015. In reputedly the finest vintage thus far in the 21st century.

The much awarded Boela Gerber

The grapes for the Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2015 come from blocks facing south and south east, the vineyards planted on a selection of Glenrosa, Cartref and Hutton soils. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 64%, Cabernet Franc 17%, Merlot 11% and Petit Verdot 8%. The grapes are chosen in the vineyards before harvesting in late March to mid-April . From the moment these grapes are picked, they are ‘royalty’ and are treated as such in the cellar by Boela and his team. During fermentation, the wine is pumped over the cap four times to recover as much colour, flavour and soft tannins as possible. Once the fermentation is over, the wine is macerated on the skins for 4 weeks. !4 months is spent in 225 litre French Oak barrels. 73% of the barrels were new, 9% second fill and 18% third fill. This gives support to the fruit rather than overwhelming it. The Estate’s flagship wine is then prepared for bottling.

The famous Anton Anreith pediment on the old cellar

PourThe Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2015 is bottled in a magisterial Bordeaux shaped bottle with the word Constantia embossed in glass below the neck. This indicates that the grapes have all been grown in the Constantia Wine Appellation. In the glass, the wine is a bright bloodplum red at the heart which then pales out to ruby garnet at the edges. The aromas are all about black berries, plums and well applied oak with its concomitant spices. These are all repeated on the palate where the firm yet accessible tannins blend with the fruit and the acidity in the long and slowly waning aftertaste. While eminently accessible now, the wine is built to last and you will be amply rewarded after up to 5 years of cool cellaring

Justine Wall’s Beef Biryani

Pair
This is a grand Sunday Roast Lunch wine, will love the beef, lamb or pork with a jug of steaming hot real gravy and some rustly roast potatoes and a green vegetable. Though, a midweek supper of a bowl of Justine Wall’s Beef Biryani which you want to share with a bottle of truly great wine like the Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2015 after a busy day is the perfect partner. Click here for her recipe.

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As a young aspiring chef, Michael laid a solid foundation for his career at the Cordon Bleu Cooking School in London. Over the next 30 years he had a series of high profile hospitality management posts, was the Public Relations Manager for Boschendal and ran three successful restaurants in the Cape, one of which, Parks, featured in the national top 10 restaurants.

Michael is a family man, author and broadcaster.

A lifetime devoted to the promotion and appreciation of the South African wine and food industry has earned him many accolades, including the Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Eat Out Awards.

Michael continues to be prolific, informative and entertaining on his wine and food website, michaelolivier.co.za